If you are just getting started with Starlink or looking to use a TP-Link Router or Mesh System with your Starlink Connection, a few settings are recommended for stability, performance, and ease of use. This article will guide you through the process and how to configure the recommended settings. 

 

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Guided Setup for Router Mode

It is recommended first to enable Bypass Mode on your Starlink Gateway. The settings for Bypass Mode can be found in your Starlink App under:

 

Settings > Network > Advanced > Bypass Mode

 

1. Open the Starlink app on your mobile device.
2. Tap Settings
3. Tap on the Advanced Button to reveal more settings.
4. Scroll Down and Toggle the "Bypass Starlink Wi-Fi Router" to the 'ON' Position

 

Your Starlink Gateway will now be in Bypass (Bridge) Mode. Bypass Mode will turn off the Starlink Gateway's built-in Wi-Fi network and routing capabilities, allowing your Deco Mesh to provide its own wireless network and manage your devices' connections.

1. Complete the Initial Setup of Your Router or Mesh Network

After Enabling Bypass Mode, you should complete the setup process for your router or mesh network.

 

 

Using a TP-Link Router With Starlink	Using Your Deco Mesh with Starlink
YouTube Guided Setup for Archer Routers	YouTube Guided Setup for Deco Mesh

 

**If warned that a second router may be on your network, you may not have enabled Bypass Mode on your Starlink Gateway. Please Connect to the Wi-Fi network of your Starlink Gateway and Enable Bypass Mode from the Starlink App. If your Starlink Wi-Fi uses the same name as your new router, you may need to unplug your Deco or Archer to connect directly to the Wi-Fi from your Starlink Gateway.

 

2. Configure a Static Route

After Configuring Your Deco Mesh or Archer, you will need to configure a Static Route for your Starlink Gateway to access and manage your Gateway and Satellite Settings through the Starlink App, such as your overall statistics, snow melt, and calibration features.

 

Setting Up a Static Route on Archer

Creating a Static Route through the Deco App

 

 

Guided Setup for Access Point (AP) Mode

If you would like to allow your Starlink Gateway to continue operating as the router for your network, continuing to manage the connections of all connected devices, you may set up your router or mesh network in Access Point (AP) Mode. AP Mode extends the wireless coverage of your existing network when provided a wired connection and is not subject to the same restrictions as other extenders, such as Range Extenders of Powerline Adapters.

 

What is the difference between Access Point and Router Modes?	What is the Difference Between AP Mode and Router Mode on Deco?
How to Configure a TP-Link Wireless Router as an Access Point	How to Set Up Deco to Work in Access Point Mode

 

 

Extend Your Starlink Gateway's Existing Wireless Connection with a TP-Link Range Extender

You may always extend the wireless connection of your existing router or gateway with a Range Extender. Range Extenders expand your wireless coverage by receiving a wireless signal from the main router and extending(repeating) the received signal to cover more areas. Starlink does not currently support the 6GHz band with their hardware, so Range Extenders allow for an affordable method of adding 6GHz compatibility to your network.

 

Extending Your Starlink Wireless Network with a TP-Link Range Extender

 

Frequently Asked Questions for Starlink and Bypass Mode:

Why Do I Need to Enable Bypass Mode on my Starlink Gateway?

Enabling Bypass Mode on the Starlink Gen 2 Gateway will turn off the routing functionality of the Starlink Gen 2 Gateway and allow your TP-Link Deco Mesh router to handle all routing duties. Without enabling Bypass mode, your network will suffer from a Double-NAT situation, possibly introducing performance and stability issues to your network.

 

Why Do I Need to Configure a Static Route if My Devices Can Already Access the Internet?

Configuring a Static Route on Your TP-Link Router or Mesh will tell your router how to reach and communicate with your Starlink Gateway. Allowing you access to the management interface for your Starlink system while connected to your new wireless network. Using your network without configuring a static route may also affect your network's overall performance and stability.

 

*This article includes the use of Starlink equipment or services.  Starlink equipment and service are registered trademarks of Starlink and its parent company SpaceX. The use of this equipment and services is to provide instructional use only.